Hardin County - Dunkirk - Mayor

Each general election, The Lima News provides this section profiling the candidates and issues. The Lima News sent questionnaires to every candidate in Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Putnam and Van Wert counties for this election section. Candidates had the opportunity to give biographical information and discuss major issues in their races. Candidates also had an option to submit a photograph. Only names and residences identify candidates who did not return a questionnaire. Dunkirk - MayorTeresa Cramer (incumbent)Party: Non-partisanResidence: North Main Street, DunkirkRelevant experience: Total of 7.5 years on council; 2.5 years as mayorEducation: Hardin Northern High School; B.S. in education, Bowling Green State UniversityYears living in area: Life long residentMajor issues: My intention for the next four years is to continue to build the trust between the citizens of Dunkirk and the elected officials. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend our coucil meetings each month, listen to town business, ask questions and state their concerns. We do have in place a check and balance system to prevent theft in office from occurring again. We have an active block watch working with law enforcement to help curb crime. When I found myself as mayor, it became my responsibility as well as councilís to complete all unfinished projects. With the patience and support of the Dunkirk residents, we have been able to complete those projects. With the governorís decision to cut local funding 25 percent this year and 25 percent next year, this will leave small communities struggling to fund necessary services. As mayor I will continue to seek grant monies that will help the Dunkirk community improve and grow. As mayor I will continue to pursue various businesses and ask them to consider Dunkirk as a future home for their business. As with any new business comes new jobs and revenue. Since January, Dunkirk has welcomed two new businesses and a new community center. I enjoy my job as mayor and when reelected I will enjoy seeing these and many more projects completed. Thank you in advance for your thoughts, prayers and support.Pam RuhlenParty: Non-partisanResidence: West Washington Street, DunkirkAge: 57Relevant experience: Mayor for six years; four years on village councilEducation: Kenton Senior High SchoolYears living in area: 17Major issues: I recognize that we have a small community with limited resources and I hope upon reviewing our tax situation (1 percent income on all working individuals) that I can go back and address council to se if this is a necessity. If not my desire is to change this tax to help benefit the working class citizens in our community.I would also like to look at what it would curtail to have our community zoned to help bring in more revenue.I hope to speak with law enforcement officials, who are doing a great job, to help address the major drug problem here in the Dunkirk community. My goal would be to see a program put in place to help aid those who want to be set free of this addiction and to see what is available in this area. I plan to meet with community leaders and agencies that are already in place so we can work together to help reach these goals.Dunkirk was mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency to install a sewer separation system that will be completed this year. My goal would be to make sure that the residentsí properties are restored to the former condition before the sewer separation project.Two years ago because of personal issues I had to move away from Dunkirk. Therefore I had no choice but to step down from my position as mayor. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the village of Dunkirk again. I am passionate about this community I have lived in for over 17 years, that is the reason I returned over a year ago.

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